It wasn't too long ago when 'Hybrid' was much of a desolated term. Back then, the masses needed time to sort out the variety of emerging 'tree-hugging' sciences such as hydrogen, fuel cells, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and bio-fuels. Most of them, though, remain largely as conceptual alternatives. Now it seems that hybrids are one of the most popular ways to go green on our local shores.
Eight years back Lexus debut its first hybrid. Since then, there was no turning back for the Japanese carmaker. Lexus is also the largest luxury carmaker that advocates for hybrid technology
The latest in the green lineup is incidentally also the first in Lexus' model range to receive the hybrid treatment, uniting with the gas-burning V6s launched just a few months ago.
Exterior
Seen from earlier versions we have sampled, the overhaul for the GS range has effectively rid off the relatively inert and tame image that the brand has grown synonymous with. Besides the aggressive front snout and now famous spindle grill design, the GS has grown wider and taller in dimensions, but retains the length and wheelbase.
Lexus uses an identical recipe to separate the GS hybrid from the standard fuel-burning comrades. Other than taking on a bluish-hue for the roundel badges, headlamps are now LED (there is a quartet of them in fact). Like those from a sci-fi movie, they instil a sense of tech-advancement for the hybrid.
Eight years back Lexus debut its first hybrid. Since then, there was no turning back for the Japanese carmaker. Lexus is also the largest luxury carmaker that advocates for hybrid technology
The latest in the green lineup is incidentally also the first in Lexus' model range to receive the hybrid treatment, uniting with the gas-burning V6s launched just a few months ago.
Exterior
Seen from earlier versions we have sampled, the overhaul for the GS range has effectively rid off the relatively inert and tame image that the brand has grown synonymous with. Besides the aggressive front snout and now famous spindle grill design, the GS has grown wider and taller in dimensions, but retains the length and wheelbase.
Lexus uses an identical recipe to separate the GS hybrid from the standard fuel-burning comrades. Other than taking on a bluish-hue for the roundel badges, headlamps are now LED (there is a quartet of them in fact). Like those from a sci-fi movie, they instil a sense of tech-advancement for the hybrid.
At the rump, subtle badge colouration and model insignia hints at its cutting-edge drivetrain. The rear bumper diffuser too takes on a slightly different design, spanning across the width of the car and keeping the tail-pipes from sight.
Interior
The GS Hybrid receives the revamped interior as with the rest of its stablemates. Exclusive for this model are bamboo trims, a first for the industry. Such is the determination to get things right that the marque went on to acquire a bamboo farm. While the trims do take a bit of getting used to, the contrast in tones and textures does bestow a unique sense of quality to the cabin.
Elsewhere, other material highlights include brush aluminium knobs on the audio unit and of course the centre time-piece, crafted from a single ingot of aluminium. The well-appointed interior stood proof of the GS' luxury underpinnings, an offering that is truly worthy of the badge.
One look at the driver's gauges does not reveal its true identity - those in the GS are actually digital displays, which ingeniously, swop from an energy gauge to a rev counter when the sports modes are engaged.
Practicality wise, the hybrid’s boot space has been given a significant boost - a 61% increase over its forerunner, thanks to a different stacking arrangement of the battery pack. In the occupant quarters though, the executive sedan is more suited to carry four in style, with the centre protruding seat of the rear bench best left for short trips.
As with the rest of the GS range models, the hybrid’s infotainment system is accessed via the remote touch pad - hat Lexus calls Remote Touch Interface. One however needs to muster a certain level of dexterity to operate the system on the go - less the intuitiveness found in the BMW or Audi systems.
Practicality wise, the hybrid’s boot space has been given a significant boost - a 61% increase over its forerunner, thanks to a different stacking arrangement of the battery pack. In the occupant quarters though, the executive sedan is more suited to carry four in style, with the centre protruding seat of the rear bench best left for short trips.
As with the rest of the GS range models, the hybrid’s infotainment system is accessed via the remote touch pad - hat Lexus calls Remote Touch Interface. One however needs to muster a certain level of dexterity to operate the system on the go - less the intuitiveness found in the BMW or Audi systems.
The Drive
As expected of a Lexus offering, the car is comfortingly quiet, well isolated from the external environment. Indeed, with only the electric motor put to work for low speed manoeuvres, only slight murmurs from the churns and the driver's display hint at the working powerplant.
The GS's capabilities as a grand tourer are put to shine when normal or eco modes are selected. On blemish-littered roads, the GS rides with aplomb, with the plush damping soaking up the imperfections. The softer setting however, does result in the car losing composure over the bends at higher speeds, though more of a bother to the driver than passengers. Simply toggle the drive selection to Sport S or Sport S+, and the sedan regains the much-needed poise with the braced damping.
Despite the added heft from the hybrid system, the car packs genuine performance when the occasion calls for it, dispatching the century sprint in no more than 6 seconds. There is also something defying in the way the power is put to the tarmac - or the type of blisteringly quick that launches you back into the seats, but more of gaining pace with grace.
The GS' comforting motives are also inherent in the way speed is shed - the brakes feel well-cushioned when applied, delivering the intention in a much sedated, no frills manner that retains peace in the cabin. Lexus claims a consumption figure of 15.8km/L. A mixture of city and highway driving, though, reveals one that is closer to 12km/L, which is still respectable nonetheless when compared to its closest rivals such as the ActiveHybrid 5.
Conclusion
Lexus has once again proved their potency in luxury car-making, and in this case coupled with the know-how in hybrid technology. Statistical figures lending light to the maturity of Lexus' hybrid drive-trains should set minds at peace, with the extended warranty by the local authorised distributor (Borneo Motors) giving the additional boost in confidence in the offering’s reliability.
In short, with the latest GS, Lexus has seemingly filled up dearth of the sporting elements in its mainstream offerings. And with the hybrid, they have just taken the game a step higher.
Conclusion
Lexus has once again proved their potency in luxury car-making, and in this case coupled with the know-how in hybrid technology. Statistical figures lending light to the maturity of Lexus' hybrid drive-trains should set minds at peace, with the extended warranty by the local authorised distributor (Borneo Motors) giving the additional boost in confidence in the offering’s reliability.
In short, with the latest GS, Lexus has seemingly filled up dearth of the sporting elements in its mainstream offerings. And with the hybrid, they have just taken the game a step higher.
